On 16 June 2026, the UK announced a new package of sanctions under its Russian sanctions regime. The package targets Russia’s shadow fleet, financial networks, military procurement channels, and broader support infrastructure. In total, 70 individuals and entities have been designated under the new package. The sections below summarise the key elements of the package.
New sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and maritime evasion
A central focus of the new measures is Russia’s “shadow fleet”, a network of vessels that are used to evade Western sanctions.
The UK has designated 27 ships involved in transporting Russian oil or Liquified Natural Gas (“LNG”) to third countries, using new and enhanced powers introduced in May 2026. In addition to direct vessel designations, the UK has further tightened restrictions by sanctioning ship insurers and other shipping service providers. A further four entities have also been designated for supporting the Russian energy sector.The package also marks the UK becoming the first G7 country to sanction vessels that are associated with Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 Project. Overall, the UK has now sanctionedmore than 600 shadow fleet and Russian LNG vessels.
New sanctions targeting military procurement and intelligence networks
The package also further addresses Russia’s efforts to procure technology in support of Russia’s defence sector.
Sanctions have been imposed on 10 individuals and three entities involved in procuring dual-use technologies for the purposes of supporting Russia’s defence sector. The measures also specifically target a network linked to Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, centred on a company named LLC Neptune Co Ltd.
In parallel, the UK has designated a broader group of 16 entities and one individual involved in supplying such dual-use goods, alongside third country suppliers of critical military equipment located in China, Thailand, and Turkey.
New sanctions targeting financial networks
The UK has also targeted elements of Russia’s financial network used to circumvent Western sanctions and facilitate military procurement. The designations include eight entities involved in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and connecting the Russian financial sector to global markets.
For example, several organisations, including one entity based in Nigeria, have been targeted for supporting the sanctions evasion scheme of an illicit financial network known as A7.
To see the full list of designations, please see here. Companies should continue to ensure implementation of appropriate sanctions screening procedures, including to mitigate the risks of direct or indirect dealings with Russian sanctioned parties outside Russia.
